Railway hopper car construction



June 6, 1933. A. CAMPBELL RAILWAY HOPPERA CAR CONSTRUCTION Filed Jan. 30, 1932 4 Sheets-Sheet l l N I/ EN TOR. MPBELL. 51 M75 f ATTORNEY,

Filed Jan. 30. 1932 4 Sheets-Sheet 5 IN VEN TOR. ARG Y'LE- C21 4P/BELL.

A TTORNE Y.

June 6, 1933. A, CAMPBELL RAILWAY HOPPER CAR CONSTRUCTION Filed Jan. 30, 1932 4 Sheets-Sheet 4 INVENTOR. ARG Y/ E CA MPELL.

Patented June '6, 1933 UNITED STATESPATENT OFFICE V.AI'tGfYLE CAMPBELL, OF CHICAGO, ILLINOIS, ASSIGNOR TO ENTERPRISE RAILWAY EQUIPMENT COMPANY, F CHICAGO, ILLINOIS, A CORPORATION 0F ILLINOIS RAILWAY SHOPPER, CAR CONSTRUCTION l Application led January 30, 1932.l Serial No. 589,881.

My invention relates to railway hopper cars and the like, and more particularly to the hopper construction and related. discharge door framing identified therewith.

One of the objects of my invention 1s to provide an improved Vdoor framing means surrounding the discharge opening of a hopper and adapted to reinforce and strengthen the hopper Walls and form a stron-g, rigid structure for supporting the door in proper cooperating relation thereto.

A further object is to provide a reinforcing door frame which surrounds and supports the hopper walls and defines the kdischarge opening, and which Will operate to transmit strains from an intermediate -portion of the hopper directly to the centersill and the side wall of the car.

A further object of my invention is to provide improved means whereby a hopper.

having'wa s spaced downwardly from a centersill may bedprovided with a door frame extending aroun the said walls and be directly attached to the centersill in such a manner as to coordinate the parts in a strong, durable structure capable of withstanding the strains and wear of service.

A further object is to provide an improved hinging structure for the upper part of a door frame which underlies and protects the edge of the hopper plate to which said member is attached and acts as a tie betweenthe centersill and the side Wall of the car and also cooperates with a stirrupl structure eX- tending around the sides and bottom 0f the hopper to provide suitable supporting means for said stirrup structure.

My invention further resides in other details and arrangement of parts which, will hereinafter be apparent from the following description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings which illustrate embodiments of my invention.

Referring to these drawings,

Fig. 1 is a transverse vertical sectional view of the lower portion of a hopper car showing a portion of a hopper on one side of the centersill;

Fig. 2 is a longitudinal vertical side elevational view of that part of the car illustrated in Fig. l, illustrating the hopper door in closed position in relation to the hopper frame;

Fig. 3 is a vlongitudinal vertical sectional view taken substantially on a line 3-3 of Fig. l, illustrating the hopper door in closed position in relation to the hopper frame;

Fig. 4. is a detailed cross sectional View taken through the outer side sheet and door on a line corresponding substantially to the line 1`4 of Fig. 2; i

Fig. 5 is a vertical transverse sectional View of a hopper similar to Fig. 2, illustrating a modification in which the hopper frame and hingebutt are combined in an integral unitary construction;

Fig. 6 is a longitudinal vertical side elevational view illustrating that portion of the l hopper shown in Fig. 5 with the door shown 1n closed position; and

Fig. 7 is a vertical longitudinal sectional fiew taken substantiallyon a line '7-7 of 1g. position in relation to the hopper frame.

My invention isvillustrated as being embodied in a hopper car of the W type in which the hoppers depend below the centersill and are arranged with the hoppers on each side of the centersill in transversely alignedpairs. and each pair having discharge openings and independent doors for said openings. The doors of each pair are transversely aligned and in some instances are operated independently of eachother and in` other instances are connected togetherl by a brace beam for operation in llnlSOn.

Since the hopper structures of the centersill are the saine, the drawings illustrate the details of the structure on` one on both sides side of the centersill only, and only sufficient of the car structure is shown-to illustrate the relation of the parts.

In Fig 1 the centersill structure is illustrated by one of thel beam` members 1() of t the centersill and is of thek type having a vertical web section 11 and lower outstanding marginal flange section 12; The upper portion of the centersill beam member includes an inturned flange 13, the beam members on the opposite sides of the centersill being united by a connecting cover-plate 14. The hopper von each side of the centersill is defined by upper and lower longitudinally sloping floor walls or sheets 15 and 16 respectively and by inner and outer substantially vertical side walls 17 and 18 respectively, said last named walls being spaced transversely of the car from each other and united to the upper and lower sloping walls 15 and 16, all of which are arranged to provide a discharge opening disposed in a plane at substantially right angles to the lower sloping floor sheet 16.

The side wall of the car includes a vertical plate 19 and a lower marginal reinforcing member 20, the latter being preferably formed of angle shape. The outer hopper wall 18 has a base portion 21 secured to the side wall of the car and has a flange portion 22 flanged inwardly towards the centersill of the car to form a support for the upper sloping floor sheet 15 of the hopper. The floor sheet 16 extends downwardly and inwardly towards the centersilly thereby cooperating to form a substantially trapezoidal shaped discharge opening, providing for a discharge opening of greater length adja cent the upper portion of the door as compared with the lower portion of the above opening. The wall 18 is further provided with an inwardly directed flange 23 beneath the lower sloping hopper sheet 16. The inner hopper sheet 17 at its upper edge is provided with a base portion 24 which is vertically disposed in a plane parallel to the centersill web 11 and secured thereto by a seriesI of rivets 25. v

The main body portion of the hopper sheet 17 is deflected downwardly at a steep angle as indicated at 26 where it crosses the outwardly extending flange 12 of the centersill and continues vertically downwardly presenting the main body portion of the hopper plate as indicated at 27 and joins with the sloping bottom sheet 16 by being flanged under the same as indicated at 28. Adjacent the hopper opening, the inner wall sheet 17 is provided with a portion embossed outwardly to provide a marginal reinforcing framing means. T his embossment is formed by disposing a flat portion 29 beyond the centersill flange 12 for a distance substantially throughout the length of the discharge opening, said flat portion being connected at the top to the base portion by, a sloping section 30. The slopingy section extends at a more acute angle than the portion 26. The flat embossed portion 29 is also connected to the sloping portion 26 and to the body portion 27 by a sloping section 31, said wall sections 29, 30 and 31 cooperating to provide an embossed portion of generally truncate form. The inner hopper wall is formed with an inwardly extending marginal portion 32 which underlies the sloping floor sheet 15 and is secured thereto. The said outstanding underlying flanges 22 and 32 of the respective outer and inner hopper walls are extended downwardly beyond the free edge of the sloping upper floor 15 as indicated at and 34 respectively, thereby presenting a gusset-like portion adapted to brace the side hopper walls at their .intersection with the upper sloping floor.

The upper sloping floor 15, as will be understood, is cut away to conform to the sloping section 30, as the latter extendsbeneath said floor 15 in order to permit the flange 32 to underlie said upper sloping door 15. The intersection of the two hopper walls in this manner therefore defines two sides of an inverted pyramidal shaped hopper which serve to direct lading from the sloping floor above the discharge opening to tne discharge opening.

The inner and outer walls and the bottom sloping wall of the hopper 'are surrounded by a reinforcing frame A which includes a lower portion of stirrup-like form. This reinforcing member may be in the form of a commercial rolled section or may be formed of, east metal and is preferably of T-shaped section and bent to conform to the shape of the opening as defined by the hopper walls. This frame member thus takes a substantially trapezoidal shape having a substantially horizontally extending portion 35 extending across the bottom edge of the hopper, and inner and outer upwardly extend. ing wall portions 36 and 37, the latter extending upwardly and outwardly to conform to the inclination of the outer hopper wall.

The frame member A has an extended flat body portion 38 substantially one-half of which as indicated at 39 overlies and is secured to the associated hopper walls, said body portion being secured to the hopper walls by a series of rivets 40. The stem of the T-seetion includes a flange 41 which is outstanding at a location disposed centrally of the body portion 38 and substantially in alignment with the gusset-like portions 33 and 34. This flange 41 is also preferably disposed substantially beneath the marginal edgesof the respective side and bottom walls of the hopper and thereby provides a strong support for said marginal edges. The inner leg 36 of the frame A is extended upwardly above thelower portion of the centersill 'and outer legs 36 and 37 of the frame.

into the space provided by the embossed portion of the inner hopper Wall 17. The framing member A is thus arranged so that substantially one-half of its body portion overlies the hopper side walls and the other half 42 extends beyond the marginal edgesL of the hopper walls and present a chute-like extension projecting beyond said hopper lWall edges.

` Beneath the upper sloping floor 15 is disposed a combination reinforcing and hinge butt beam member B which is of angular' formation including a wall portion 43 underlying and secured to said upper floor 15, and another wall 44 depending from said first named' wall 43 adjacent the marginal edge of the upper sloping floor 15. The wall 44 extends between the respective inner and outer leg portions 36 and 37 of the frame A and cooperates with the projecting or extension portion 42 of the frame to complete the continuity of a flange extending around the top and sides of the opening, 1t being un derstood that the projecting portion 42 of theframe is sheared at its meeting locatlons Y with the wall 44, and if desired the meeting Walls may be welded together.

Inwardly of the frame A the said member B is provided With depending bracket portions 45 and 46 adjacent the respective inner Each bracket portion 45 and 46 includes a wall section 47 extended downwardly into the plane of the body portion 38 of the frame and overlying the same and united therewith by means of a rivet 48 (Fig. 4). the latter being countersunk on the outer side thereof to prevent fouling with the door. The bracket portions 45 and`46 are further provldedl with integral walls 49 which underlie and are secured to the gusset-like portions 33 and 34 by rivets as indicated at 50. y

The upper member adjacent the centersill projects beyond the inner leg 36 .and extends up to the centersill web to which it 1s united by means of a depending wall 51 whichoverlies andwhich is connected with the centersill by rivets 52. These rivets 52 are disposed outwardly of and beyond the hopper walls and are therefore accessible even when the door and the hopper are in assembled relation to the car, thereby facilitating assembling operations and insuring a strong connection with the centersill. The beam member extends independently of the hopper lfor an appreciable distance as indicated at 53 and thereby spans as a beam the distance between the centersill and the location where the beam affords supporting engagemen't to the pyramidal shaped hopper walls.

At its outer end, the member B extends outwardly beyond the outer .side wall 18 as indicated at 54, said extenslon portion 54 being arranged in overlying relation with .the edge portions of the door'frame.

the outer leg 37 of the stirrup frame member A and united with the outstanding stem flange 41 by means of a rivet 55, it being understood that the projecting portion of each leg of the frame is cut away at the inner and outer legs as hereinbefore described in order to conform to the shape of the depending portion 44 of the frame member B.

The outer marginal edge of the wall portion 43 is reinforced by an integral depending wall 56 which extends between the Vcentersillrand the side of the car, and adjacent the centersill grally with the depending vertical wall 51.

Integral hinge lugs 57-57 are formed on the hingebutt and arranged in pairs and theselugs 57 extend downwardly from the walls 43 and 56 to provide a mounting for a discharge door C. shaped formation comprising a body lplate 58 having marginal flanges at the top, bottom and respective sides as indicated at 59, 60, 61 and 62 respectively. These flanges extend inwardly and when the door is in closed position are adapted to enclose the chute-like portion of the frame A. The door C is provided with hinge straps 63 which are secured by the rivets 64 to the door plate, the upper end of the hinge straps forming loops for the hinge pins 65, these vloops being positioned between the pairs of hinge lugs 57-57 The door C, throughout the entire length of its sides and bottom, and also the top member for a limited distance adjacent the corners of the door, abuts The depending flange 44 of the top member for the major portion of its length is cut away as indicated at 66 in order to obtain increased door opening and to avoid lodgment of frozen particles between the edge of the door frame and door.

The structure shown in Figs. 5 to 7 inelusive, while retaining the principles involved in the structure hereinbefore described, is modified in a number of respects particularly in the fact that the hingebutt section which extends from the centersill to the side of the car and the hopper stirrup frame are joined in an integral structure in the form of a single casting.

In said embodiment of my invention one of the centersill members is indicated at 110, said member having a` vertically disposed Said door C is of pan-,

being `formed with outstanding underlying flanges indicated at 117 and 118 respectively which extend downwardly beyond the free edge of the upper sloping floor 115 to present gusset-like portions 119 in each upper corner of the discharge opening.

The door framing includes a one-piece cast member D having an upper beam portion 120, said beam portion including a Wall section 121 which underlies and is secured to the upper sloping plate 115. The Wall 121 extends clear through from the centeisill web 111 to the outer hopper side wall 114. Depending from said Wall section 121 are walls 122 and 123 respectively, the former extending continuously from the centersill web to the outer hopper sheet, said respective Walls 122 and 123 beinvjoined by an integral wall section 124 by which attachment is made with the centersill web by means of rivets 125.

The lower portion of the frame D consists of a stirrup-like section extending around the side and bottom walls, and including inner and outer legs respectively indicated at 126 and 127, and a lower horizontally extending portion 128. Said stirrup-like portion of the frame is formed T shape in section and includes a body portion 129. which overlies and is attached to the hopper sheets by means of rivets 139, and an outstanding stem fiange 131 which is centrally disposed with respect to the body portion 129. The inner leg 126 of the stirrup extends downwardly from the upper hinge beam portion 120 immediately adjacent and beyond the outstanding flange 112 Iof the centersill beam member.

Adjacent the outer wall of the hopper the end of thehingebutt beam section 12() isformed integrally With the overlying body portion 129 of the outer leg 127 of the stirrup. Each of the legs 126 and 127 of the stirrup are integrally braced in relation to the hingebutt and beam member 12() by means of integral gusset sections 132 which underlie and are secured to the gusset poi'- tions 119 by means of rivets 133. The depending wall 123 of the hingebutt member is located adjacent the upper margin of the discharge opening and merges into the body section 129 of the respective legs 126 and 127 whereby a continuous projecting flange 229 is formed around the discharge opening, said flange being of substantially uniform depth throughout the entire length of the sides and bottom and for a short distance around the upper flange 123. This continuous flange provides a chute-like structure projecting beyond the hopper and corresponding in shape to the shape of the discharge opening'. The intermediate portion of depending flange 123 is formed of reduced depth as indicated at 134. j

The discharge opening is adapted to be closed by a bottom door E, said doorl including a' body portion 135 and flanges adjacent the inner, outer, upper and lowervedges as indicated at 136, 137, 138 and 139 respectively whereby a pan-shaped door is formed which encloses the chute-like portion of the frame. This arrangement provides a T- shape around 'the sides and bottom of the door and an angle shape at the upper portion of the door. The arrangement of having the depending flange of the angle shaped portion of the hinge beam member merging into the projecting portion of a frame member provides for a door frame of simple form, light in weight and having an opening which does not operate to materially restrict the discharge opening, as the trapezoidal shape of the discharge opening provides for quick release of the load.

The outstanding stem flange 131 of the frame, the inner gusset portions 132 and the underlying Wall section 121 yof the top beam merge in a common plane adjacent the top Vof the door opening and a strong construe-- tion is thereby obtained Which-effectively prevents distortion of the frame.

I claim:

1. Ina railway car, a hopper structure comprising inner and outer side walls spaced from each other and upper and lower sloping floor Walls extending between said walls, said respective walls cooperating to define a discharge opening; a door frame extending around said side and bottom walls and be'- neath the upper sloping Wall, said side walls being each formed with an'inturned flange adapted to underlie and be secured to the upper sloping Hoor, said outstanding flanges being extended beyond the edge of the said sloping Hoor and into the plane of the side Ynection, and integral gusset portions on said framing secured to the said gusset portions of the hopper 'side sheets.

2. In a hopper car, the combination with a center-sill structure including a beam member having a vertical web and an outstanding flange at the lower portion thereof; a hopper structure at the side of said centersill, including inner and outer side walls spaced from each other and upper and lower sloping floor Walls extending between and connecting said inner and outer Walls; a door' framing structure having anupper member adapted to underlie the upper sloping wall of the hopper and having a stirrup like portion extending around the respective sides and bottom of the hopper, said stirrup portion at each side being braced relatively to the upper underlying portion by gusset like portions formed integrally with the upper member and the associated stirrup portion, said upper member adjacent the inner side wall of the hopper being extended independently of the inner hopper wall and above the lower outstanding marginal ilange of the centersill and formed with an integral vertical wall overlying and secured to the 5 vertical web of the centersill.

10 ture at one side of the said beam member,

including inner and outer sidewalls and transversely extending upper and lower sloping floor walls, said four walls cooperating to define a discharge opening,said inner l5 wall including a base portion secured to the centersill web and having an inclined portion extending over and beyond the outstanding flange of the centersill and thereafter formed with a depending wall portion spaced outwardly beyond the outstanding flange of the centersill, said inner wall having an outstanding marginal flange underlying and secured to the upper sloping'iloor wall; a door framing member extending beneath the upper sloping floor and around the sides and bottom of thev hopper to provide a four-sided enclosure projecting beyond the hopper structure formed by said walls, and corresponding lsubstantially in shape to the discharge opening provided by the hopper walls, said depending portion of the inner wall being spaced from the web of the centersill; and means adapted to span the distance intermediate the said hopper and the centersill web, said means including a laterally projecting extension from the door framing member, said projecting extension having a downwardly extending wall section overlying and secured to the centersill web.

4 4. In a hopper car, the combination with a centersill structure including a beam member having a vertical web and an outstanding lower marginal flange; of a hopper at the side of said centersill,A said hopper having a substantially vertical body wall portion lying beyond the centersill flange, said wall above the centersill flange being extended upwardly and inwardly towards the centersill web to present a sloping floor portion above the centersill flange; and a sloping wall extending outwardly from the centersill and .united with said first named sloping wall and forming therewith two sides of an inverted pyramidal shaped hopper structure sloping on one side from the centersill ,web to direct lading beyond the centersill flange; and means for supporting said hopper structure from the centersill and further uniting said respective walls of the hopper, said means including: a framing structure having a beam portion ,underlying the transversely-extending hopper floor .65 wall and extended above the centersill flange and united with the centersill web, said frame member being further provided with a portion depending from said -u per beam member beyond the centersill ange and overlying and secured to the vertical body wall portion of the hopper wall.

5. In a hoppercar, the combination with a centersill structure having a beam member formed with a vertical web section and a lower outstanding marginal flange; a hopper structure disposed to one side of said centersill and including inner and outer Side walls and vupper and lower sloping iloor walls, said four walls having their edge por-- tions cooperating to substantially define a discharge opening, said inner wall of the hopper being spaced an appreciable distance from the centersill web; a door framing structure extending beneath the upper sloping floor and around the side and bottom walls, said framing structure extending upwardly between the centersill flange and the inner hopper side Wall, and being provided above the centersill with a lateral portion extending outwardly beyond the inner hopper wall and independently of said hopper and spanning the distance as a beam intermediate the spaced portion of the upper wall and the centersill web.

6. In a railway car, the combination with a centersill structure incl'uding a beam having a vertical web section and an outstanding flange adjacent the lower margin thereof; a hopper structure disposed to one side of the centersill and including inner and outer side walls spaced'from each other, and upper and lower sloping floor walls extending between sald walls, said respective walls cooperating to define a discharge opening, said side walls being each formed with an outstanding flange underlying and secured to the upper sloping floor, said outstanding flanges being extended beyond the edge of said upper sloping floor and into the plane of the discharge opening; a door framing structure having a longitudinally disposed upper portion extending from the centersill to the side wall of the car and having a depending stirrup portion, extending around the respective inner and outer walls and the sloping bottom walls, said framing structure adjacent the junction of the upper portion and each' depending portion of the stirrup having on the inner side thereof a gusset-like bracing portion secured to the underlying flange of the associated side wall.

7. In a railway car, the combination with a hopper including downwardly extending walls spaced transversely from each other l and upper and lower sloping floor walls cooperating with the first named walls to provide a discharge opening; a door framing structure having a beam portion underlying the upper sloping floor, and having a stirrup shaped portion depending from said beam insy ten ed into the plane ofthe said cut away portion and united with the remaining portion of the stirrup.

8. In a railway car, the combination with a centersill structure including a beam member having a vertical web and an outstanding flange adjacent the lower portion thereof; a hopper structure to one side of said centersill, said hopper structure including inner and outer side walls and upper an lower floor walls extending between said inner and outer walls and cooperating therewith to provide a discharge opening; a door frame structure including a beam member extending flatwise beneath theupper sloping floor and having a portion overlying and secured to the centersill web and extended outwardly beyond the outer hopper side wall; a stirrup structure extending around the respective side and bottom walls, said stirrup structure adjacent the outer side Wall overlying and secured to the projecting portion of the upper beam member and said stirrup structure adjacent the inner side wall being spaced an appreciable distance from the centersill web and united with the top member at an appreciable distance from the said centersill.

9. In a railway car of the character described, the combination with a centersill structure including a beam member having a vertical web and an outstanding flange adjacent the lower portion thereof; of a hopper structure to one side of said centersill, including inner and outer side walls and upper and lower sloping floor walls cooperating to define a discharge opening, said inner side wall being spaced an appreciable distance from the centersill web; a door frame extending around the top, bottom and sides of the hopper, the portion of the door frame adjacent the top of the hopper including a beam member extending beyond the side wall portions of the frame and above the centersill flange and secured to the centersill web, said beam member having lug portions lextending' into the plane of the stirrup portions and -secured thereto.

10. In a railway car of the character described, the combination with a centersill structure including a beam having a vertical web and an outstanding flange adjacent the lower ortion thereof; of a-hopper at the side of) said centersill, including inner and outer side walls and upper and lower sloping floor walls, the edge portions of said walls cooperating to form a discharge opening; a hingebutt and reinforcing beam member underlying the edge portion of the upper sloping floor wall, said hingebutt beam member being extended independently of the hopper floor wall beyond the same forV supporting cooperation with the centersill; and a stirrup-like section comprising inner and outer legs and a bottom section respectively extend-ing around the inner and outer walls and the bottom hopper walls, the portion of the stirrup section which extends around the inner wall lying between the center-sill flange and the inner hopper Wall and integrally merging into the hingebutt beam member at an appreciable distance from the centersill web.

11. In a railway car, the combination with a centersill having a beam member includ'- ing a substantially vertical web and a flange outstanding therefrom at the lower marginal edge thereof; of a hopper disposed to one side of said centersill, said hopper having inner and outer side walls spaced from each other transversely of the car and upper and lower sloping hopper walls extending between said inner and outer walls, the marginal edges of said four walls cooperating to define a discharge opening; a door frame having a portion underlying the upper sloping wall and having portions extending flatwise around the side and bottom walls, said portion underlying the top wall havlng angular related walls, one of said walls being secured to the top sloping wall .and the other of said walls depending down- `wardly adjacent the margin of the top wall and said portion extending around the side and bottom walls having an outstanding stem disposed centrally thereof and substantially in ali nment with the wall secured to the upper s oping floor wall, said member around the sides and bottom on one side of the stem projecting beyond the associated hopper walls and cooperating with the depending portions on the underlying portion to provide a four-sided discharge chute lyingy beyond the hopper walls; and a discharge door pivotally mounted to the underlying portion at the upper portion of the hopper, said door having inturned flanges adapted to enclose the four sides of the said chute.

12. As an article of manufacture for a railway car; a door frame for application to the walls of a hopper, said frame having a stirrup portion of substantially T-shape formation and including an outstanding stem disposed centrally of the body portion, said stirrup portion including sides spaced apart and a connecting lower portion adapted to overlie the sides and bottom Walls of a hopper, said stirrup lhaving on one side ofV said stem means for attachment to the hopper walls; said door frame on its upper side having an angular shaped section with one wall o1'I the an le shaped member adapted to underlie an be secured to a hopper wall and 5 having the otherilange depending from the first named wall portion and adapted to cooperate with the portion on the opposite side of the stem' of the TV-shape to form therewith a four-sided chute disposed beyond the stem of the T and adapted to be enclosed by a discharge door.

13. In a railway car having a hopper-Adefined by side walls spaced apart and united by upper and lower sloping floors cooperating to provide a discharge opening; a door frame structure surrounding said hopper Wall members, the frame at the upper portion being of angle shape with one wall secured to the upper sloping Hoor and the other wall depending therefrom, and adjacent the sides and bottom of the discharge opening being of T-shape with the stem of the T outstanding from the hopper walls, said frame on one side of the stem being disposed in overlying relation with the hopper walls and secured thereby to said Walls and having the body portion on the opposite side of the stem projecting beyond the hopper walls and cooperating with the depending wall of the vupper member to form -a four-sided chute projecting beyond the hopper walls.

14. In a railway car, the combination with of said stem overlying the sides and bottom walls of the hopper, and the body portion on the opposite side of the stem projecting beyondy the Walls of the hopper; integral gusset means on the inner side of the hopper stirrup uniting said stirrup portion with the upper portion; and a door pivotally mounted to the upper portion and formed of panshape and adapted to enclose the projecting portion of the ll'-shaped member on one side of the stem.

ARGYLE CAMPBELL.

a centersill structure; of a hopper structure 36 at one side of said centersill, including inner, outer, upper and lower sloping bottom walls meeting and together having their edge portions defining a discharge opening, said inner Wall being spaced an appreciable distance 40 from the centersill web; a door frame structure having an upper beam section underlying the upper slopin floor bottom wall and having a stirrup-1i e vstructure formed therewith and extending around the sides 46 and bottom of the hopper, said portion of the stirrup which overlies the inner wall of the hopper merging into the upper door beam member at an appreciable distance from the centersill whereby said beam oper- 50 ates as a beam member to `transmit strains from said portion of the frame to the cen-` tersill.

15. In a railway car, a hopper including inner and outer side walls and upper and lower sloping iioor walls cooperating with said first named walls to -provide a discharge opening; a frame member having a top portionunderlying said upper Wall and a stirrup portion depending from saidl upper portion and extending around the side and bottom Walls, said stirrup portion including a body section of T-shape section with the ,stem of theT outstanding centrally between the extendedl boundaries of the body por- 55 tion of the T member, the body on one side 

